Power actuator



May 4 1926. 1,583,117

C. S. BRAGG Er AL POWER AU TUATOR Filed Nov. 25, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 6H Y af JZ M (5.5

May 4 1926. 1,583,117

c. s. BRAGG Er AL POWER ACTUATOR Filed Nov. 25, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 4 1926. 1,583,117

C. S. BRAGG ET AL POWER ACTUATOR Filed Nov. 25D 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 4, 1926.

CALEB B. BRAGO, OF PALM BEACH, FLORIDA., AND

VICTOR W, KLIESBATH, OF PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNORS TO BRAGO-KLIESRATH CORPORATION, F

LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK, A

CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

POWER ACTUATOR.

Application led November 25, 1925. Serial No. 71,269.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that we, CALEB S. Basco, a citizen of the United States, residing at Palm Beach, in the county of Palm Beach 6 and State of Florida, and Vieron WV. Kuns- RATH, a citizen of the United States, residing at. Port Washington, in the county ofV Nassau and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements l0 in Power Actuators; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

Our invention consists in the novel features hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the same, selected by us for purposes of illustration, and the said invention is fully discloied in the following description and claims.

Our present invention consists in a novel., single acting, power actuator, especially adapted for use in connectionY with automotive vehicles o e-rating on land, in or upon the water, or in t e air, and operated by atmospheric air or other higher pressure Huid Working against suction, most conveniently afforded by a connection with the suction 3 passage of the internal combustion en ine em loyed for the propulsion of the velucle, an most conveniently by a connection with the intake manifold thereof. Our actuator is particularly desirable for use in the application of brake mechanism of automotive vehicles operated'on land, such as trucks, busses, trailers and the like. y

Due to the relatively low pressures under which these actuators Work (about 20 inches of mercury) or the equivalent of approxi- `mately nine pounds of pressure per 4square inch, these actuators, which comprise la cylinder, closed at both ends, and a piston working in the cylinder, are required to be of such large size that where it is necessary to exhaust the air from the large space within the cylinder forward of the piston, and from a suliiciently large pipe to permit the passage of this air in sutlicient quantities to permit a satisfactory application of the brakes, or the operation of other parts to be operated, the air so exhausted and delivered into the manifold would stall the motor if idling, and thereby shut off the source of suction upon which the operation of the actuator depends.

According to our invention, we provide such a cylinder with means for connecting it on one side of the piston at all times with the source of suction (i. e. the intake manifold of the engine), and the piston is op erated by admitting higher pressure fluid, as atmospheric air, to the cylinder on the opposite face of the piston to effect the movement of the piston and subsequently Withdrawing this air to permit the return stroke of the piston. Thepiston is therefore normally maintained submerged in vacuum and the operative stroke of the piston is effected, as in applying the brakes under the full power of the apparatus, and instantaneously without delivering any material quantity of air to the intake manifold of the engine, and therefore Without materially effecting the explosive mixture assing to the cylinders, so that the operation of the engine is not interfered with. The draft of the applied brakes, and the customary springs to free the frictional surfaces of the brake mechanism from contact in the off or released position, where the actuator is employed in connection with the brake mechanism, will be more than sulicient to return the piston to the normal or off position without the necessity of employing other means, in the same manner that the draught of the applied brakes of any motor vehicle returns the brake pedal to the normal or off position, as the piston offers only the slighest frictional resistance and does not have to displace or force out any air, as the air previously admitted to apply the brakes is Withdrawn by the suction in the intake manifold. During the return movement of the piston to the normal position, under the draught of the applied brakes and retracting springs, the air previously admitted to operate the piston is withdrawn and delivered into the intake manifold under the control of restricting means, when desired, as for example, the adjustable suction valve of the valve mechanism, as will be explained later, so as not to interfere with the operation of the engine or stall it if idling. This necessarily retards slightly the return of the piston to the normal position, but is not objectionable,

` as the effective frictional contact of the braking surfaces will be instantly released by the draught of the applied brakes, the piston thereafter moving more slowly under the lighter pressure of the retracting springs alone.

According to our invention, the portion of the cylinder in rear lof the piston is connected with the suction means, or with the atmosphere (or other source of higher pressure) by suitable valve mechanism, which may be in some instances located inside of the cylinder, as in the hub of the piston itself, or may be located entirely outside of the cylinder, as preferred. Our invention, also permits the brakes to be applied as rapidly as desired, as the air at atmos heric pressure may be admitted to the cylin er in rear of the piston as rapidly as desired, and the valve mechanism may be constructed to ermit an instantaneous release of the bra es, but equalizing the pressure Within the cylinder, and simultaneously,

but during a longer period of time, exhausting the air previously admitted to apply the brakes, the equalization of pressures within the cylinder permitting the draft of the applied brakes to instantly release themselves and the air within the cylinder on both sides of the piston being subsequently withdrawn in such `restricted quantities as will not interfere with the explosive mixture even 'when the throttle is fully closed and the motor idling. A salient feature of our invention is the connection of the actuator cylinder forward of the iston at alltimes with the suction means.L he brakes may be applied with the desired rapidity and with the full force of .the apparatus at any time, without withdrawing any material quantity of air from the cylinder or discharging any material quantity of air into the intake manifold. Th needu ofstorage. tanks for the purpose of retardihg the flow of air, exhausted by the operation ofthe power actuator, into the'i intake manifold or for the purpose of storing polwer .is `entirely eliminated.k We also eonvenientlyemploya checkvalve interposed between the suction means and the cylinder in order that the degree of rareiication normally maintained in the cylinder shall be equal to the greatest l degree of rarefcation produced in the intake manifold at any time between the operations of the'brakes.

In carrying our invention into elfect, we also preferably connect the controlling valve mechanism with an operator operated part of the foot pedal,"for example, and the operator operated part is also preferably connected with the piston by means providing lost motion sutlicient to ei'ect the operation of the valve mechanism, so that the operator may add his physical power to the power exerted by the actuatorV to the desired evtent, and may also operate the piston and the brake mechanism connected therewith in case of failure of power.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several forms in which we have contemplated embodying our invention,

Fig. l represents a diagrammatic view illustratin an installation in an automotive vehicle, o our improved .actuator for operating the brake mechanism thereof, and being connected with the intake manifold of the engine, for the purpose of providing the necessary suction or rareication.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional vier of the actuator showing one form of valve mechanism therefor, arranged within the piston of the actuator, and operatively connected with an operator operated part, the parts bein shown in normal or ofi position.

Flg. 3 is a detail of a portion of `the apparatus, showing a slight modificatioirof the valve mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to'Fig. 2,.show ing the valve mechanism in position to admit atmospheric air in rear of the piston, and. the piston moved forward from its normal position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detailed view of the valve ymechanism illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6-6of Fig. 5.

lig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1, illustrating an installation in which the controlling valve mechanism is located entirelyr outside' ofthe actuator cylinder. y v

` Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the actuator, the operator operated parts and the controlling valve mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a central, vertical transverse sectional view through the valve mechanism.

Fig. l() is a longitudinal section on the line 10--10 of Fig. 9. y

'Referring tc the form of our invention shown on Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, 1, represents the actuator cylinder which is closedA at both ends. Thismay be accomplished in various ,y ways, but inthe resent instance, as shown Y which is provided with a suitable stuffing.

box, 6, of any .desired construction, to prevent leakage. In this instance the hubof the piston is provided with the valve chamber, indicated at 11, provided with oppositely disposed alve seats, indicated at 13 and 14, to engage oppositely disposed valvesLof which the suction valve, 40 is ada ted tecngage the valve aseat, 13, and the air inlet valve, 41, is adapted to engage the'valve seat, 14. For the pur lill) is provided with a collar `operator operated part, and t pose of operating these valves, ,we preferablv employ a-valve actuating sleeve 20,- extend'- ing through 'the' head, 2, of thev cylinder, which is provided with a suitable stuliin box, 6*, surrounding the sleeve, 20, and sai sleeve alsoA extends coaxially through the piston hub and throu h' the hollow piston l dg position oil position, will be closed rod, A5, as shown, an through the valves, 40, 41; These valves are provided Witli yielding lmeans normallytendi'ng to seat them, end with means making a tightv joint with the valve sleeve,whil e tpermitting a slight movement of the sleeve rough theyalves,V and the valve sleeve isrovided with-,ineens .for en aging the va ves and moving `them in a` direction tofepen. We prefer to form the'4 valves, 40and;41, of molded rubber, and to provide them with central a ertures, 'which will# fit the .valve sleeve su ciently tightly to -form an air tight joint, while permitting the necessary .movement of the valve sleeve therethrough. We also prefer to'provide, between the valves, 40 and 41, suitable spring washers, indiV cated at 50, fr the 'purpose of yieldingly pressing the-valves 1n` opposite direction, tending'to ,seatthem. The valvesleeve, 20,

40, in position to engage the valve, 40, and open-l it when the vave sleeve is moved in one direction, and a similar collar, 41 for engaging the valve, 41, and moving'it in a-directlon to open it when the valve sleeve is moved in the opposite direction. In the form of valve mechanism illustrated inFigs. 2, 4 and 5, the interior of the valve sleeve 1s in communication with the atmosphere 'at one'or both ends., Inthis instance the hollow piston rod, 5 is provided at its outer end with a `cap,8, avigea lug, 9, for attaching-it to the, part lto operated, said cap being" provided with an Yair inlet aperture 10, com- 1nunicating `with the interior of. he sleeve. The'- oppositee'nd of the sleeve, 20, is alsoA shown ro'vided with a ca 21, provided with a; u g,` 22, for. connectm it with th'e is cap, 21, isbv also shown' p rovided w1th an'ai inlet aper` Vture, 23, also ,communicating with the interior of the sleeve.` Obviousl either one or both of these apertures may e employed. The sleeve, 20, is als'otprovded with lateral openings, 24, communicating with an annular space between thesleeve and the piston rod, 5, andcommunicating with `the interior ot the valve chamber, 11, when the valve, 41, is opened, and saidvalvethamber is provided with a port, or or'ts, 34, communiretin with the cylinder 1n rear of the istn (at tic* right in Figs. 2'and 4), an with longitudinal ports indicated at 35, arranged in the )iston hub around the sleeve, 20, for establishing communication between the valve chamber, 11, andthe interior of the cylinder forward of thepiston (at the left operatedl part, 1n

instance we have shown a co .source of suction at all times.

in Figs. 2 and 4 when the suction valve 40, is opened.- T p 20, is operatively connected with an operator 4 this instance with a -foot lever, indicated at 88, by means of'a link, 89, and means are provided for normally holding the. valve actuating sleevein such whenthe parts are in normal or that the air inlet valve, 41, and the suction valve,40, as shown in Fi 2, In thisl v spring, 15, interposed between a collar, 16, on the inte-l rior of the hollow piston rod, and a collar, 17, on the exterior of the valve actuating will be opened,

e valve actuating sleevc,1-

sleeveior accomplishingthis purpose, but

vany other suitablemeans may also be employed. The valve Vsleeve is also operatively connected with the piston by means permitting lostl motion, -and Afor this purposev we` have shown in this instance, a collar, 25, on the end of the sleeve, 20,' within a recess in the ca 8, secured to the hollowpiston rod and adhpted to engage the end ofthe piston rod when moved in a forwardly direction (to the left in Fig. 2), the `sleeve being adapted to engage the end ofthe adjustable cap, held by a set screw, 8*, when moved. in the opposite direction to `limitthe opening of the'suction valve, 40, and. thus r'estrict-- n to thatl exerted by the'actuator lwhen deaired, or to operate the piston of the' actual 4 4tor and the brake mechanism connected' 4 therewith in case of failure of power.

In this instance the interior of the cylinder, l, forward of the pistonlat the left in Fig.- 2) is directly connected withthe In lthis instance thisconnection is effected by means of a suction pipe, 62, in which is located. a check valve, 63, preferably ofthe kind described in our former application for Letters Patentl filed on the 20th day of October, 1925, and given Serial No. 63,696. The pipe, 62, is preferably connect-ed to the manifod between the ordinary/throttle valve, indicat-4 ed at 64, in dotted lines in lige l, and the engine cylinder. The intake manifold will be provided, as usual, with a carburetor of( .any usual or preferred type, as indicatedat 65. In this instance we have shown 1n Fig. 1, a conventional representation of brake mechanism, at 70,' provided with adopernting lever, 71, and retractin Spring, 72, the said lever being connected y a. link, 73,

previously described are in the posltions i'n-A in' l.4"ig. 2, which represents the nor-` diated I mal or foii position, it wi be seen that if the engine is, in operation, the air will be exhausted from.` the actuator cylinder on both sides of Vthe piston, suction ivalve, IOL being, normallyheld in open position' as- In other words, tl1e shown inv this ligure.

forward portion of the cylinder (at the-left in Fig. 2) lis always in communication with the suction means, `and when the ,parts are in normal orA oli position, at which time the valve,i40, -is-open, the cylinder on'both sides of the piston will be'conne'cted with the ,suction means, thereby maintaining the piston normallysubmerg'ed in .vacuum.- If it is desired to apply the brakes, the operator 23 move the brake lever, 88, in the direc-i tion of the arrow in Fig. 2, thereby moving the valve sleeve, 20,'- in the same direction,

permitting the suction valve, 40, to close, to open.v

i and thereafter the inlet valve, 4l 53- The airv (or other 'higher pressure fluid) inst enterthe cylinder in rear of the piston orwardin the direction of the arrow, pwvith the full force of the apparatus, and as rapidly as desired, according to the extent Vtovhich.thebrake lever, 88, is moved. The` forward portionof the cylinder being continuo'usly and at all times connected with the suction means, the forward` movement of the piston does'not' cause any appreciable quan- `tity, of airgto be delivered intothe intake manifold, and therefore the operationof the engine'is 4notmaterially affected and-tlree e'` is no danger of stalling it if i ing. forward-movement of the piston will follow the frward movement of the foot lever, 88, as indicated in Fig. 4, thus applying Vthe brakes tothe desired extent, and as soon as the movement of the cot lever `ceases, thecontinued movement of the piston will permit the air inlet valve to close and shut otl" the frtller admission Vof air, or other higher pressure fluid, thus holding the brakes applied. Any subsequent movement 55 offthe iston in either direction would either open t e suction valve, 40, towithdraw any surplus of higher pressure fluid, or open inlet valve, 41, to adm it more higher pressure fluid. To release the brakes, the operator has only to release the foot lever slightly, so as to permit the retracting spring, in this instance'tlie1spring, 15, to' move the sleeve, 20, in ia.direction `op osite to that of the arrows-in lfFgs. 2 an 4, and effecting the 05 opening .of the suction valve, 40. This tl piston-gat the `right in Fig. 2) and move the.

"permitting -thejbra es to release themselves,`

whilev the-air 'within the cylinder on both sides-of the piston is 'withdrawn and de- '(0 i livere'd :to the intake manifold, under th controlfofrestricted valve opening, 'if desired, sensu-not to interfere with. the explosive Vassing to th e ngine cylinders. Tlefb 'es' may vfat-any time be re- To 1 'ap ied by another forward movement of the e al-'leven'4 It the foot lever is entirely reeased,` the ressure withinthe cylinder on OPPOG Si. 2S 0f' the piston=willbe equalized,and. the. air previously admitted to ef- 80 feet thedperation of the piston will be, .Withdrawn, leaving the piston submerged in.`

vacuum, while the draft of the brakes and `sure ontliepedal leyerymovetlie" sleeve, 20,

forward so as'to take up the lost motion between the sleeve and the piston, in`th`is instance by bringing the-collar 25, enga ementwith the end of the lilillow piston lcd, 5, and may then addhis phylcaljor to that exerted bytheactuator piston 1n the a "plication of the brakes.l YIn caseof failure ci. power, the operator may directly apply the brakes by his physical -force, b /pr'essmg `forward on the foot lever, so as take 1`1p the lost motionbetween, the valve actuating sleeve, 20, .andf the piston, ,and move .the piston andthe brakesconnected therewith, 1 05 1n a direction to alpllythe brakes, theplston offrin onl" the gtest frictional resistance, t e va vesl being open ,to properly vent the cylinder.: n'.

In Fig.v 8l we have. Yillustrated as slight 110 modification .of the valve mechanism, 1n

which the communication between thepor- .tion of the cylinder forward'of the iston,

and' the valve chamberrcontrolled y the suction valve, is obtained in a sligltly dxf- 115 ferent manner. 1n this instance the valve Sleeve, indicated at 120,' is closed atits o uter end, at the left,` and said, sleeve is provided with a lug or partition, 126, separating the forward) end from. the rear end,"wh1ch is 120 in 4'communication with the atmosphere, in the manner illustrated in 2 and 4, and

the :fr )rwardY portin of thesleeve, I120, is provided withlateral apertures, 127 and 128, one communicating with the interior of the piston hub ad'acent tothe suction valve seat,113, whic is engaged by thesuction valve, 140,'while the other aperture communicates with the interior of the'cylinder, forward of the piston. The operation, of 13 this form of valve mechanism is exactly the same as that previously described.

` In Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10, we have illustrated a different embodiment of our invention, in which the controlling valve mechanism is located outside of the cylinder, and in this particular instance is carried by the pedallever, which is connected with the piston of the actuator. In this embodiment of our invention, 101 represents the actuator cylinder constructed substantially as hereinbefore described, being closed at both ends b 'the integral head, 102, and the detachable head, 102, secured in position by bolts 102". 103 represents asingle' acting piston, provided with the piston rod, 105, which is 1n this instance need not be a hollow piston rod, or may be hollow in order to make it lighter, if preferred, and as shown. The iston rod is connected by link, 173, wi th the ever, 171, ofbrake mechanism illustrated diagrammatically at 170 inFig. 7 said lever, 171, being provided withv reti-acting spring, 172, although as before stated, the number and form of brake mechanism, -or mechanisms, is unimportant. The piston, 103, is also provided with means for connecting it with the foot lever, `188. In this instance we have shown the piston provided with a second piston rod, which extends throu h the integral head, 102, and is con-Q necte to the edal lever by a link, 198. As indicated in 4ig. 7, the cylinder of the actuator, on the side forward of the piston, is connected at all times with the suction `means (inthis instance the intake manifold,

161, of the internal combustion engine, 160, employed in o :ue-rating t-he en ine) between the throttle va ve, 164, and t e engine cylin'ders by a pipe, `1 62, in which is located a .check valve, 163, and regulating valve,

, a retracting Pipe,

166. In this instance We have shown the pedal lever, 188, providedwith a rocking pedal, indicated at' 190, and valve mech` anismis supportedon the` pedal lever, consisting in this .instance of a 'stationary valve casing, 191, Within which is mounted a rotary waive, 192, connected by Aa link, `193, with the rockin pedal, 190,

spring 194, e bly provi ed between an arm 195, on t e rotary valve and the pedal lever, and the valve is also provided with .ar stop, 196, in this instance mounted on the valve casing, 191, in position to be engaged by the arm, 195, for arresting the valve in its normal or oil position. The valve casing is provided with a suction port, 197, connected with the suction pipe, 162, by -a flexible 198, preferabl in rear of the check valve, 163. e' valve casing is also provided with a cylindrical port, indicated at 199, which is connected by 'a fiexible pipe, 187, with the actuator cylinder on the opposite side of the piston from the` ing prefer- `and `without danger of stalling it if idlin lpipe, 162. The valve casing is also provide with a third port, indicated at 186, open to thelatmosphere. The valve, 192, is providedwith a recess, 192, so arranged suction 'that it v villconnect the suction port, 197,170

with thecylinder port 199, when the valve is in the normal or feti position, as clearly indicated in Fig.,10in full lines.

Thus, in the normal position of the parts, the actuator cylinder forward of the piston 75 (at the'letin Fig. 8) is alwa s connected with the source of suction by tv e pipe, 162, and the cylindei` in rear ofthe piston is normally connected with the suction ipe, through the valve recess, 192,-as in' icated insg@ Figs. .8 and 10.v When 'it is desired to apply the brake mechanism,V the operator will apply his-foot to the rocking pedal, 190, and rock it in the direction of the arrow in Fig.

c, on its pivotal axis, 190e, thereby rotating 35 the valve in the direction of the arrows'in Figs. 8 and 10, so as to'bring the valve recess, 192, into the position indicated in dottedlnes in Fig. 10, in which it will connectthe cylinder port, 199, with the atmosphere, o and admit air under atmospheric pressure to the c linder in rear of the pistoin'and thereby e ectinv a forward movement' of the pis ton to apply the brakes, without admitting any material quantity'of air to the 'mani- 95 fold. The forward movement of the piston i will move the foot lever, 188, forward, and the `foot of the o erator willmerely follow this movement under ordinary circumstances, maintaining the rocking pedal in'y such 'lo position as'to continue to admit air to the cylinder in rear of the piston. The operator can stop this forward movement atany point by simply rocking his foot inthe direction opposite that indicated by the arrow in Fig. .m5 8, so as to close the port, 18.6,of the valve casing and prevent further admission of air and by reversing the movement of the rocking pedal still further, the valve, 192, can be restored to its normal position sof'as to connect the cylinder in rear' of .the piston with the suction port, 197, when thexair previously admitted to etfect a working stroke of the piston, will be withdrawn under the control of the regulating valve, 166, or other mi restricting means,-and gradually distributed into the manifold in such manner as not to interfere with the operation of the engine,

The instant that the cylinder port, 199, is 12g brought into communication `with the suc*` tion port, 197, of the valve casing, there .will be a reduction of pressure in the cylinder in rear of the piston and a substantial equalization of `pressures onopposite sides of the piston permittin the Abrake mechanism to instantly relieve itself and the draft of the brakes and their restricting springs will return the piston and the valve mechanism and the foot lever to normal position, unless the A valve mechanism is operated so as ,to prephysical force connected with a source vent this. Obviously the operator may partially release and reapply the brakes if-de# sird, by suitably rockingthe pedal, 190, and when h'e releases the pedal altogether, it will be returned. to its normal position by the spring, 194,-permitting the draft of the brakes and the retractingsprings therefor to restore the parts tonormal or olf position, as before stated.

It will also be noted that the operator can apply his physical force to the brake pedal lever, 188, if desired for the urpose of adding ititobthe power exerted y the actuator piston, and may also operate the actuator piston and -the brakes connected therewith entirely by' his physical force in case pf failurepof power, by rocking the pedal, 190, in the 'usual manner before described, so as to connectthe cylinder port, 199, with the atmos herc pont, 186,-and exerting pressureto orce the pedallever downward as the valve mechanism will be ,thereby brought into such a posi-tion that the operator .will

only have to overcome the frictional resistance of the piston in order to-'apply his to the brake mechanism, Obviously the. atmospheric port, 186, mi htlbe of any other 'gher pressure fluid if desired.

' It will be seen that in this embodiment of our invention, also, the single actin piston is submerged in vacuum, and can e actuated to produce a power stroke without admitting any apreciable quantity of air to the intake manifold and can be permitted to be moved rearwardly to normal position by the draft of the brake mechanism and its retractng spring, or s rings, without admitting air or other glielpressureV fluid to the cylinder forward of thel piston, the air Y admitted in rear ofthe piston for the effecting. of thel working stroke thereof, bein gradually withdrawn from the cylinder an delivere to theV manifold under the control of the regulating valve or other restrictmeans. In` other words, the portion of y"cylinder forward of the piston is at all times connected with the source `ofsuction, the piston is normally submerged in vacuum, and its operative strokes are effected by merely admitting air or other higher Ilressure fluid into the cylinder `in Ear of t e piston and withdrawing it there- It will be understood from the "foregoing description that, should the power fall for-f. any reason, and the operator actuates the foot lever or other operator operated device, the valves will be moved to such position as to vent the c linder, and thus permit the` pistonto be fyreely moved by the operator operated part.

lt isV also to be understood that the actuator, when used on an automotive vehicle, is

'with' the Said suction ,inder on both sides of the piston with ure lof the source of suction or by the sudden increase in rareii'cation at the source of suction, or by any variations in the degree o f 'rarecation tion. y

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends a single acting piston in the cylinder, and means connected with the cylinder on one side of the piston, of means for connecting the cylinder onrtlie opposite side of the`piston with the suction means, when the piston is in normal or off position, and for disconnectin the cylinderon one side of the piston on y, from the suctionA means and admitting a. Huid under higher pressure thereto, to effect a movement of the piston in one direction and for withdrawing said higherV pressure fluid and reestablishing. the connection of the ysaid portion of the cylinder with the suction means, to permit the piston to be moved in a reverse direction.

2. In a power actuator,.the combination l with a cylinder closed at both ends a single yacting piston in the cylinder, and

suction means connectedv with the cylinder on one side of the piston, of means for conn the cylinder on the other side ofthe piston meanshiby a restricted passage when the piston is in normal or 'DE position, and for disconnecting said portion m of the cylinder from the suction means and admitting aluid under higher pressure thereto, to effect a movement of the piston in one direction, and for withdrawing said higher pressure fluid through said restricted passage, to ermit the piston to be moved in the reverse direction.

3.v In a power actu'ator, the combination .with a cylinder closed-at both ends, a single acting iston in the cylinder, suction means for said) cylinder, and an inlet for supplying ,higher pressure iuid, ,of reversing valve mechanism constructed to connect the cylineected by the source of sucsuctlon der on both sides of tbe piston with the suc-l y tion means when the valve mechanism is in neutral position and when moved in a direction to e'ect the wer stroke ofthe to connect saith igher pressure lui inlet with the cylinder on one side of the piston while maintaining the yconnection between the cylinder on the other side of the piston with the suction means.

v4. In a vpower actuator, the combinationY with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, suction means.

for said cylinder, and an inlet for supplying higher 'pressure Huid, of reversing valve,

mechanism constructed to connect the cylthe suction means when the valve mechanism is in netural position and when moved in a lpiston,

direction to'eiect the power stroke of the piston, to connect said higher pressure fluid inlet with the cylinder on one side of the piston while maintaining the connection between the cylinder on the other side of the piston with the suction means, and means for maintaining the valve mechanism in neutral position when the piston is in oil' position. f

5. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, suction means for said cylinder, connected to the cylinder onA one side of the piston at all times, and an inlet for higher pressure Huid, of reversing valve mechanism constructed to connect the cylinder on the other side of the piston with said suction means when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, and to disconnect the cylinder on said other side of the piston from said suction means, and connect it with said higher pressure Huid inlet to eect a power stroke of the piston.

6. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, suction means for said cylinder connected to the cylinder on one side of the piston at all times, and an inlet for higher pressure fluid, of reversing valve mechanism constructed to connect 'the cylinder on the other side of the piston with said suction means, by a restricted passage, when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, and to disconnect the cylinder on said other side of the piston from said suction means, and connect it with said higher pressure fluid inlet, to effect the power stroke of the piston.

7. In a power actuator, .the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, normally maintained submerged in partial vacuum, means for admitting air at atmospheric pressure to the cylinder on one side of the piston only, and withdrawing it therefrom, an operator operated part for controlling said means, and connections between'the operator operated part, and the piston, whereby the physical ower of the operator may be applied to t e piston in addition to the power of the actuator or in case of failure of power. 8. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, normally submerged in partial vacnun'i, of controlling valvey mechanism for placing the cylinder on one side only of the piston, in communication with the atmosphere, to eil'ect a power stroke of the piston and for withdrawing said air therefrom to permit the return movement of the piston, an operator operated part connected with said valve mechanism, and connections between the operator operated part and said piston, whereby the physical power of the operator may be applied to the piston in 'addition to the power of the actuator, or in case of failure of power, the cylinder will be vented by said valve mechanism and the movement of the piston may be eii'ectedby the operator operated part.

9. In a power actuator, the combination with afcylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, suction means for said cylinder, connected to the cylinder on one side of the piston at all times, and an inlet for higher pressure fluid, of reversing valve mechanism constructed to connect the cylinder on the other side of the piston with said suction means when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, and to disconnect the cylinder on said other side of the piston from said suction means, and connect it with said higher pressure fluid inlet to effect a power stroke of the piston,an operator operated part connected with said reversing valve mechanism and connections between said operator operatedpart and jsa'id piston providing a suicicnt amount of lost motion to effect the operation of said valve mechanism, whereby the' physical power of the operator may be applied to the piston in addition to the power of the actuator, or in case of failure of "power, the operator operated part may be moved to eifect the operation of thevalve mechanism into position to vent the c linder and permit the piston to be operate by said operator operated part.

10. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder, closed at both endsfa Asingle acting piston in the cylinder, and suction means for the cylinder, said piston being normally maintained submerged in vacuum, of reversing valve mechanism constructed to admit higher pressure fluid to the cylinder on one side of the piston to eiect a working stroke thereof,Y and to establish communication between the portions of the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston, to effect an equalization of )ressures within the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston to permit the return movement of the piston and to withdraw the higher pressure iluid previously admitted to produce a power stroke.

11. In a power actuator,`the combination with a c linder closed at both ends, a single actin piston in the cylinder, suction means for the cylinder, connected to the cylinder on one side of theY iston at all times, of reversin valve mec anism constructed to admit higher Vpressure fluid to the .cylinder on the opposite side of the piston, to effect a working stroke thereof, and to establish communication between the portionsy oit' the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston, to ctl'ect an equalization of pressure within the previously admittedto produce a stroke, and means for maintaining t e re-A cylinder on opposite sides of the iston to permit the return movement of e piston and to withdraw the higher pressure Huid previously admitted to produce a power stroke. v

12. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, afsingle acting iston in the cylinder, and suction means or `the cylinder, said iston being normally maintained submerged in vacuum, of reversing valve mechanism constructed to admit higher presure fluid to the cylinder on one side of the piston to effect av working stroke thereof, and to establishcommunlcation between the ortions of the c linder on opposite sides o -the piston, to e ect an equalization of pressures. `Within the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston to permit the v operate the piston by his p ysical force.

return movement of the.y piston and toA withdraw the higher pressure uid'previousl admitted to produce a ower stroke, an means for maintaining e reversin valve mechanism inh position to connect t e portions of the :cylinder on both sides of the piston with each other and with the suction means when the pistonv is in normal or off position.

13. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends a single acting iston in the cylinder, and suction means iler the cylinder, said iston being normally maintained submer in vacuum of reversing valve mechanism constructed to admit higher pressure fluid to the cylinder on one side of the piston to effect a working stroke thereof, and to establish communication between the rtions of the cylinder on op osite sides o, the piston to effect an equa ization of ressures within the cylinder on opposite si esof the piston to ermit the return movement of the piston and to withdraw the higher pressure Huid ower versin valve mechanism in plosition to connect t e portions of the cy nderon vboth sides of the piston with each other and with the suction Vmeans when the piston is in normal or oosition, an operator o rated part connecte with the valve mec anism,

- and connections between the operator operated part and the piston.

14:. In a power actuator, the combination,

witha cylinder Vclosed atboth ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, of reversin valve. mechanism, a suction pi le connecte to the cylinder on one'side o t e piston independently of the valve mechamsm, said ve mechanism being constructed to conneet the other side of the piston alternatelyA with the suction pipe and with a source of higher pressure, and operator o erated Y means connected with said valve mec anism.

with the suction pipe and with a source of y higher pressure, operator operated means connected with the valve mechanism and connections from said operator operated means to the piston, providing for a suiiicient amount of lost motion to permit of the operation of the valve mechanism, whereby the operator may add his physical force to that of the actuator and in case of -ailure of power, may move said operator operated part to'operate the valve mechanism so as to vent the cylinder and ma then positively 16. In a power actuator, the combination 4with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting iston in the cylinder, and suction means or the cylinder, of a suction pipe for connecting the suction means with the cylinder on one side of the piston, valve mechanism located in the piston and constructed to establish communication between the portions of the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston, and provided with means for admitting higher pressure fluid to that portion of the cylinder on the opposite side of the piston from the portion connected with the suction pipe.

17. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, and suction means or the cylinder, of a suction pipe connecting said suction'means with the cylinder on one side of the piston, reversing valve mechanism in the piston constructed to establish communication between the ortions ofthe cylinder on opposite sides o the piston. vvhepfr the `valve mechanism is in neutral position* means for supplying higher pressure fluid to the valve mechanism, said va ve mechanism being constructed to disconnect the'portions of the cylinder on the lopposite sides of the piston from each other inder on one side of the piston, reversing valvedigechanism in the piston constructed to Eovi a restricted communicating passage tweenzthdport'ons of this cylinder on opposite Asides of Jh'episton when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, means for supplying higher pressure uid to the valve lll) notam mechanism, said valve mechanism constructedto disconnect the ortiona of eey]- inder on o posits sides -o the piston and to admit hiy er pressure fluid to that portion of the cy inder onl on the opposite side of the piston from t e portion to which the suction pipe is connected, operator operated means, and valve mechanism.

19. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both en a single acting piston in the cylinder, an suction means or the cylinder, of a suction pipe connecting said suction means with the cylinder on one side of the piston, reversin valve mechanism in'the piston construct to provide a restricted communicating passage between the portions of the cy inder on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position means for supplying higher preure Hui to the valve mechanism, said valve mechanism being constructed to disconnect the portions of the cylinder on o posits sides of the piston and to admit hig 1er reure iluid to that portion of the oylin er only on the oppositp side of the piston from the portion to which the suction pipe is connected, o erutor .operated means, and connections t erefrom to said valve mechanism1 means for holding the valve mechanism in said neutral position when the piston is in the normal or off position.

'20. In a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends a single acting piston in the cylinder, an suction means for the cylinder, of a suction pipe connecting said suction means with the cylinder on one side of the piston, reversin valve mechanism in the piston constructs to provide a restricted communicatj passage between the portions of the cy inder on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position means for supplying higher pressure Hui to the valve mechanism1 said valve mechanism bein constructed to disconnect the portions o the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston and to admit higher pressure Huid to that portion of the cylinder only on the opposite side of the piston from the portion to which the suction pipe is connected, operator operated means, connections therefrom to said vulve mechanism` and means for connecting the operator operated means with the piston, providing lost motion sullicient to insure the operation of the valve mechanism.

21. ln a power actuator, the combination with a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, and suction means for the cylinder, of a suction pipe connecting said suction means with the cylinder on one side of the piston, reversingl valve mechanism in the niston construction connections therefrom to said to provide a restricted oommunicatin passage between the portions of the cy inder on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is. in neutral position, means for supplying higher :essere fluid to the valve mechanism, sai valve mechanxsm constmcted to disconnect the portions o the cylinder on opposite sides of the piston and to admit higher ressure lluid to that portion of the cylin er only on the opposite side of the piston from the portipn to which the suction pipe is connected, operator operated means, connections therefrom to said valve mechanism, means for holding the valve mechanism in said neutral Eposition when the piston is in normal or o position, and means for connecting the operator operated means with the' piston, providin lost motion sullicient to insure the operation of the valve mechenjsm.

22. In an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a suction passage between the throttle valve und the cylinder of the engine1 and brake mechanism fr the vehicle, of a power actuator comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting iston in the cylinder, connections from sai piston to the brake mechanism, means for connecting the cylluder on both sides of the piston with the suction passage of the engine when the actuator piston is in ,its normal or olf position and disconnectin the cylinder in rear of the piston from sai suction passage and admitting higher pressure Huid to eli'ect the application of the brake mechanism, and for reestablishing the connections between the cylinder in rear of the ston and said suction passage to permit tie brake mechanism to relieve itself and the piston to be returned to normal position.

23. In an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a suction passage between the throttle valve and the cylinder of the engine, and brake mechanism for the vehicle, of a power actuator comprising a cylinder closed et both ends, a single acting iston in the cylinder, connections from said piston to the brake mechanism, a suction ipe connecting said suction pesage with t e cylinder forward of the piston, means for connecting the cylinder in rear of the piston with said suction assage, by a restricted passage, and for isconnectin the cylinder in rear of the iston from t e suction aage and ndmittmg higher pressure luxd thereto.

24. In an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a suction passage between the throttle valve and the cylinder of the engine, and brake mechanism for the vehicle, of a power actuator comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a single actmg piston in the cylinder.

connections from said piston to the brake mechanism, a suction ipe connectin said suction pass with e actuator cy 'nder on one side o the piston therein, reversin valve mechanism in the piston, constructe to provide a restricted communicating passage between the portions of the cylin er on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, means for sup lying higher pressure duid to the valve mec anism said valve mechanism being constructed to disconnect the ortions of the-oylinder on opposite sides o the piston and admit higher pressure duid to the cylinder in rear of the piston, to eiect a power stroke of the piston to apply the brake mechanism, and means for ho din the valve mechanism in neutral position w en the actuator piston is in the normal or oil' position.

25. In an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a suction passage between the throttle valve and thercylinder of the engine, and brake mechanism .for the vehicle, of a power actuator comprising a cylinder closed at both ends, a single acting (piston in the cylinder, connections from sai piston to the brake mechanism a suction ipe connect' said suctionpassa e with the actuator Ic-yiuder on one side o the piston therein, reversiti valve mechanism in the piston construe to provide a restricted commnnicat' passage between the portions of the lx-:myinder on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position means for supplying higher 'pressure flui to the valve mechanism, said valve mechanism bein constructed to disconnect the portions o the cylinder on o posite sides of the piston and admit hig er pressure fluid to the cylinder in rear of the piston, to etl'ect a power stroke of the piston to apply the brake mechanism, means for holding the valve mechanism in neutral position when the actuator piston is in. the normal or oi position, an operator o erated part connected with the valve mec anisxn and connections from the operator operated part to the actuator piston, providing means for permitting sucient lost motion to insure the operation of the valve mechanism. In testimony whereof we aix our sigfn.-

tu es.

r CALEB s. BRAGG.

vieron w. KLIESRATH.

connections from said piston to the brake mechanism, a suction 1pe connectin said suction passa e with t e actuator cy 'nder on one side o the piston therein, reversin valve mechanism in the piston, constructe to provide a restricted communicatin passage between the portions of the cylin er on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, means for sup lying higher pressure fluid to the valve mec anism, said valve mechanism being constructed to disconnect the ortions of thew cylinder on opposite sides o the piston and admit higher pressure uid to the cylinder in rear of the piston, to effect a power stroke of the piston to ap ly the brake mechanism, and means for ho ding the valve mechanism in neutral position when the actuator piston is in the normal or oli' position.

25. In an automotive vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine having a suction passage between the throttle valve and the `cylinder of the engine, and brake mechanism for the vehicle, of a power acmechanism, a suction ipe connectin said suctionpassage with t e actuator cy inder on one s1de of the piston therein, reversin valve mechanism in the piston constructergl to provide a restricted communicatin passage between the portions of the cy inder on opposite sides of the piston when the valve mechanism is in neutral position, means for suppl ing higher pressure fluid to the valve mec anism, said valve mechanism being constructed to disconnect the portions of the cylinder on oplposite sides of the piston and Yadmit hig er pressure fluid to the cylinder in rear of the piston, to effect a power stroke of the piston to apply the brake mechanism, means for holding the valve mechanism in neutral position when the actuator piston is in the normal or oil' position, an operator o erated part connected with the valve mec anism, and connections from the operator operated part to the actuator piston, providing means for permitting suicient lost motion to insure the operation of the valve mechanism.

In testimony whereof we ailix our signatuator comprising a cylinder closed at both tures.

ends, a single acting piston in the cylinder, CALEB S. BRAGG.

connections from said piston to the brake VICTOR W. KLIESRATH.

DI scum M t: n

1,583,117.-Oale`b S. Bragg, Beach, Fla, and Victor W Kleerath, Port Washington, N. Y. Pownn ACTUATOR.

` filed March 10, 1934, bythe assignee, Bragg-Kl'iesrat Hereby disclaims from the scope of ea applymgthe brakes of automotive vehicles unless said device is so combined with the 4, 1926. Disclaimer Patent dated May 0 orporation.

ch o f clairns, lland 14, any device for coming within the language of said claim, throttle controlled portions of the suction passage of aninternal combustion engin e for propelling the vehicle that air exhausted 1n the opera-tion of the power aplplymg means of said device is delivered into said throttle controlled portions of suction passage, and unlesssaiddevice isfcapable of operation at any time when the engine is running and is declutched and the throttle valve thereof is in, a art' [Qzm'al Game ardt 27, 1.934,1

y closed or in the idling position.t

DISCLAIMER 1,583,117.-Caleb S; Bragg, Palm Beach, Fla, and Victor W. Kl'iesratk, Port Washington, N. Y. POWER AcTUAToB. Patent dated May 4, 1926. Disclaimer filed March 10, 1934, by the assignee, Bragg-Klsrath Corporation.

' Hereby disclaims from the scope of each of claims 6, 11-and 14, any 4device for applying the brakes of automotive vehicles coming within the language of said claim, unless said device is so combined with the throttle controlled rtions of the suction passage of an internal combustion engine for propelling the vehicle that exhausted 1n the operation of the power ap lying means of seid device is delivered into said throttle controlled portions of cisuction passage, and unlesesaiddevice isfcapable of operation at any time when the engine is andis declutched and the throttle valve thereof is in a. art'mlly closed or inthe idling position.-

[Qjeal Gezeik arch 27, 1934.] 

